While you're waiting for your medication to help re-energize you, hypothyroidism support can see you through the emotional challenges of this underactive thyroid condition.

In some ways, it can take a village to live well with an underactive thyroid. Known as hypothyroidism, it's a very manageable chronic condition once your doctor pinpoints the right dose of medication to replace the thyroid hormone that your thyroid gland isn't making enough of. “Once you’re diagnosed and treated, having hypothyroidism shouldn't keep you from any activities of daily living,” says Tamara Wexler, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist and health care consultant in Boston.

But because blood tests and dosage adjustments are usually done only every six to 10 weeks at the start of treatment, it could be three months or more before you really start to feel the full benefits of your medication. And when it’s not under control, hypothyroidism may cause you to feel fatigued and have little energy. It can cause you to feel anxious and depressed, too. You can also become forgetful and gain weight.

That's why someone with hypothyroidism needs the support of family and friends to be able to manage it well, says Dr. Wexler, a spokeswoman for the Endocrine Society.

Here are the people you should have on your hypothyroidism support team:

Your doctor. Primary care doctors can usually determine the right dose of medication for your hypothyroidism and monitor your condition. However, you might benefit from seeing an endocrinologist, the type of doctor who specializes in the treatment of the hormone-producing glands in your body, which include the thyroid. "You want a doctor who listens and spends enough time with you to understand how you’re feeling and how you’re progressing,” says Janiece Andrews, MD, a psychiatrist and health coach in Camp Hill, Pa. “He or she should review your medication and look at what course of treatment you need to achieve your wellness goals.”

Your family. If you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism, an important reason to tell loved ones is because diseases of the thyroid run in families, and your family members might want to be tested, too. Another reason, Dr. Andrews says, is that your family should know that you’re going through hormonal changes that can affect the way you feel, physically and emotionally. Your family can help you manage daily responsibilities, like cooking, cleaning, and chauffeuring the kids, on days when you’re not feeling well.

A therapist. A common symptom of hypothyroidism is feeling sad or depressed. It can take months to get a full response to your thyroid medication, and "meanwhile you’re experiencing all these changes in your body, and that can make you irritable and grumpy," Andrews says. "You may have no energy, and your relationships can be strained because you feel unproductive.” A therapist, whether you choose a psychologist or a psychiatrist, can help you deal with these emotions. It’s better to seek therapy than to hold your feelings in, Andrews notes, and if needed, a psychiatrist can prescribe an antidepressant that’s compatible with your thyroid medication.

A support group. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, 4.6 percent of Americans age 12 and older have hypothyroidism. By joining a support group for people with hypothyroidism — online or in person — you’ll see that you're far from being alone and that others are finding ways to manage the condition. You can share ideas and get tips.

An exercise buddy. Exercise is an important part of managing hypothyroidism — it can help you cope with some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins and other chemicals that can make you feel happier, Andrews says. If you have a buddy or two to exercise with at the gym or on neighborhood walks, for instance, you’re more likely to stay active and less likely to look for an excuse not to exercise.

Getting the support you need can make managing an underactive thyroid much easier. If you need hypothyroidism support and can’t find it, ask your doctor to steer you in the right direction.

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